July 3, 2020
Back in 1970, my parents, my brother age 16 and I age 17 dismissed the 100 degree whether on that 4th of July in St. Louis. Our focus was fixed on that important day that would change our lives.
We entered the courtroom. A hush filled the air and the huge, red, white and blue flag reminded us of the honor we were about to receive.
“Raise your right hand,” the immigration officer said.
We did, and with unwavering conviction we renounced our allegiance to Bolivia and pledged our allegiance to the United States of America. We were officially citizens. In awe of that privilege, fireworks of gratitude exploded in our hearts.
You might have subtly pledged a different kind of allegiance, too. Many have. As we face the turmoil that stirs in our world today, we make a pitiful allegiance to our emotions.
Have you been there?
On Sundays we worship. During the week we worry. On Sundays we pledge to believe, to obey and follow God. We commit to embrace his Word and hold on to His promises.
But when we hear another statistic about the virus or see images of the violence, our pledge to trust in God is broken. We then enter a foreign country where the language of fear is spoken. Before we know it, we become citizens of that land of worry.
How can that happen?
God says not to worry, but we do. He repeats to trust in Him, but we doubt. He offers peace, but we dismiss it.
But the good news is that if we renew our allegiance to His instructions, we will speak the language of faith. It will express His strength, enough to sustain us. It will repeat of His love, enough to cover us. And of His grace to bring out the perfect outcome. “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt. 6:34).
And with worry in the garbage disposal of life, we sing, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
So why do we doubt, shake or fret? After all, we know:
Surely, he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. (Psalm 91:3-6)
No matter the bad news, the violence, the unrest, the division, or uncertainty, we are governed by Almighty God. We’re citizens of His Kingdom. And with Christ Jesus as the general in charge of our lives, we follow Him as He leads us to victory.
When we wonder if we’ll have enough for tomorrow, the wonder of His provision is enough for each day.
Let’s Pray
Father, thank you for the reassurance that You have me and my family covered for today and all our tomorrows. Thank You for the sleep that comes at night as you silence the turmoil around us. I praise you for the reassurance You whisper into my heart, removing worry from my mind. In Jesus name.
When will you begin your worry-free life?
Janet
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I loved this summary: We then enter a foreign country where the language of fear is spoken. Before we know it, we become citizens of that land of worry.
And I thank God that even though I may visit this country momentarily, I don’t take up residence. Thank you for your reminder to live a worry-free life.
Happy 4th Janet! You shared one of my favorite Bible verses–Psalm 91. Let me offer up another one I love: Psalm 46:1-3
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
This verse has given me so much peace over the years, and I repeat as necessary (with the emphasis on WE WILL NOT FEAR)! Thanks for your beautiful story and encouragement for us.
Much love to you and your family.
Thank you!